Introduction to Bitcoin, the Blockchain and Cryptography

The meeting will be in the Plaza building at 1208 SW 13th Ave, on the 2nd floor.

When coming up 13th, there is an entrance to a surface lot behind our building. We're in the 2-story building (not the 5-story building). The lot should be empty at meeting time. Park anywhere except in the auction winner’s spot. If the the lot is full, use the lot behind the 5-story building.

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Description

Do you want to learn how Bitcoin and Ethereum work, how cryptography plays a key role in securing funds, or how a network of untrusted computers guessing random numbers quadrillions of times per second adds security to the blockchain?

Join Scott Bigelow, Back-end Developer at Augur, for an introduction to the blockchain and some common blockchain-based applications. Technologies, such as the blockchain and Ethereum, can provide new opportunities in the startup-rich ecosystem of Portland. Additionally, understanding these revolutionary design principles can help illuminate new ways of designing your own systems.

No previous working knowledge of cryptography or other supporting technologies is necessary, as this will be a ground-up introduction.

Speaker bio:
Scott Bigelow is a Blockchain Engineer for Augur, a decentralized Ethereum project developing prediction market software. Since the late 1990's, Scott has been developing software and running large distributed systems, working in industries such as enterprise analytics, real estate, and mobile video games. His involvement with cryptocurrencies began in 2013 with Bitcoin and more recently with Ethereum and Smart Contract development.

Our events are intended to educate and share information related to technology and activism, and anyone who is there for this purpose is welcome. Because we value the safety and security of our members and strive to have an inclusive community, we do not tolerate harassment of members or event participants in any form.

Audio and/or video recording are not permitted at meetings without prior approval.